Homebuyers often face many questions in the run up to making one of the largest purchases of their lives, and one of the most common dilemmas is “should I undertake a survey”? Find out how a building survey offers peace of mind and financial security, and gain an understanding of the different types of building surveys for homebuyers.
We’ve all heard the Homes From Hell horror stories. New homebuyers purchase their dream home, only to later find out it has structural issues, damp, woodworm or rot, often requiring thousands (perhaps even tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands) of pounds worth of remediation work.
Weeks or months after their purchase, some may find their families are living in a death trap. Damp can cause a whole range of scary health problems, including asthma and other respiratory problems, and the resulting mould can even cause depression. Others find structural problems which are so severe the house requires extensive remedial works in order for the building to be safely habitable, causing much heartbreak and financial loss.
Despite these risks, it is estimated that only 20% of homebuyers commission a professional survey (Source:…..). Those who don’t may use the excuse of saving money. Your home is going to be one of the largest investments you make during your lifetime – can you really afford to risk this for the sake of a few hundred pounds?
Commissioning a chartered surveyor will give you security in your purchase, whether it’s in Watford orWest Timor. And it isn’t only surveyors who advise taking these measures. The government advises all homebuyers to carry out a survey when purchasing a house. Identified building defects don’t necessarily mean missing out on your dream home; you could negotiate its price accordingly, which may even cover the costs of the surveyor and required remedial works. A survey is simply about making an informed decision.
Types of survey
With building surveys, structural surveys, homebuyer surveys and valuations, it can be difficult to know what you need. Don’t be mistaken into thinking someone else will handle the survey on your new home. Your mortgage company may carry out a valuation (an inspection by a building surveyor), however this is not typically a detailed condition survey. This type of inspection may be sent straight to your mortgage provider rather than you, and may not highlight any building.
A condition survey carried out by a suitably qualified person, focuses on the condition of the property. You will receive a summary of any risks, along with a clear description of the general health of the property, inlcluding any garages or outbuildings.
The general condition of the property (including damp levels and timber condition), any major faults, and the price of the property will all be assessed, and your surveyor will provide a reasoned and informed judgement on the property.
A full structural survey is recommended to be carried out on older, larger or complex-built properties. It involves a thorough inspection and more detailed report covering a wider range of issues, describing visible defects and hidden flaws, and outlining possible repair options.
Only use a RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) registered surveyor. This industry body ensures the highest levels of professional practice within the industry, providing experts you can rely on. And with 80,000 trained experts in Watford and across theUK, you can find a surveyor anywhere.
Architects Corporation offer a range of architectural and surveying services in and around Hertfordshire and London, including Watford. To understand the full facts about your dream home, you can rely on the building surveyors at Architects Corporation.
